MeL Databases

District 9

Twenty years ago, aliens from another planet made contact with Earth. Now, the refugee camp they are forced to live in has deteriorated into a slum-like ghetto. When field operative Wikus van der Merwe is put in charge of evicting the aliens, he contracts a strange virus that changes his DNA to match that of the refugees. As his body begins to mutate, he becomes a hunted man, and the aliens' only hope for freedom.

This movie has all the ingredients: Peter Jackson, illegal aliens scorned, things blowing up, plucky human trying to make things right, etc. And the critics (and audiences) loved it. But I thought it was way too contrived. Aliens who can create sophisticated technology but live in squalor and eat cat food. Apparently no effort to trade or create understanding. Enjoyable, though, as a mindless shoot-em-up with good CGI.

4.5/5 stars. District 9 is a 2009 science fiction action film directed by Neill Blomkamp, produced in New Zealand, the United States, and South Africa. The film is partially in a found footage format by, exploring themes of humanity, xenophobia, and social segregation. Everything begins when an alien spaceship appears over Johannesburg, South Africa. The premise of the story is very compelling. It found footage format makes the movie seem like a real-world event unfolding before your very eyes, despite the fantastical plot. The is assisted by the beautifully rendered aliens that look hyper-realistic. There are themes in the film that speak loudly to African audiences, including one involving a bloodthirsty gang leader who has set up a heavily armored enclave in the midst of the alien encampment. But audiences everywhere will appreciate the clever and entertaining film. While a somewhat graphic and mature film, I would strongly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys sci-fi and fantasy movies. Even those who prefer non-fiction may still get a kick out of the film due to the realistic presentation. @Joaquin of the Hamilton Public Library Teen Review Board

This has to be one of the best science fiction movies I’ve ever watched. Amazingly executed. In South Africa, Johannesburg, a large alien mothership appears and is kept there by humans. Wikus van der Merwe, who was in charge of a munitions corporation’s operation, is infected with the alien’s biotechnology and begins to slowly transition into an alien. The plot of this movie was incredible and really captivated me, although it may be due to my liking of the sci-fi genre. Wikus must find a way to return to normal, and it turns out the only one who can help him is not human, it’s an alien.
Rating: 4.5/5
- @JuiceboxZ of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library

This must rate up there close to first place in the category of worst movies I've ever seen. RATIONALLADY April 16' 2015 was smarter than me. but all those 4+ & 5 stars were misleading Or at least to me they were.

Great story and social comment, great sci-fi.
One of the things that got my attention is that the cgi (computer generated effects) is so well done that they do not seem cgi, you do not notice it.
The story is well conducted and it's entertaining,

This is a terrific movie. It has plenty of hilarious scenes but explores a serious subject by using aliens to make the point - The treatment of others and the universal law of justice. I give District 9 five stars.